THE WILDBROOKS MAGAZINE - Serving the parishes of Amberley with North Stoke, Parham, Wiggonholt and Greatham - Amberley Helpline
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
£1 JULY/AUGUST 2021
THE WILDBROOKS
MAGAZINE
Serving the parishes of Amberley with North Stoke,
Parham, Wiggonholt and Greatham
Making the right decisions can be
stressful at the best of times,
but we are here to help.
Whatever’s on your mind, just ask.
SPINNAKER WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management
Nigel Evans DipPFS
Principal
Tel: 07967381341
Email: nigel.evans@sjpp.co.uk
www.spinnaker-wealth.co.uk
The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority)
for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products.
The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.
SJP12026 V1 (04/20)
SJP12026d V1 Just Ask HTH - A4 Practice.indd 1 23/04/2020 13:56
JULY/AUGUST 2021
CONTENTS
Regulars
Parish Letter 4
Calendar of services 5
Church News 6, 7, 8
Amberley Parish Council meeting report 20
Nature notes 29, 31
Recipe 29
Editorial: Car park funding dilemma 35
Local information 35,36
Churchyard picnic: a day of fun in the sun - page 7
Diversions 39
Calendar of events; Tide timetables 40
At your service: Directory of local tradesmen & services 41
Parish Directory 42
People & Event News
11, 12, 15
Special Reports
Borrowing to build the Amberley
car park 16
Project 48: Piano recitals at the
Vicarage supporting musicians 19
Village Bus in need of your support - page18
Museum opens it restored and
re-imagined nature trails 21
This month’s front cover
A ticket to ride: Amberley Museum
reopens with its vintage buses
back in operation.
Picture: Mike Beck
Amberley’s Mini Gardens Open - pages 22-23
3
JULY/AUGUST 2021
The New Vicarage, School Road, Amberley, BN18 9NA Tel: 01798 831 600
Our churches: where you are always assured a warm welcome
Have you made your staycation regular use for services; instead it
plans for this summer? Although is cared for by the Friends of St
we might welcome a change Mary’s and the Churches’ Con-
of scenery there’s so much to servation Trust. As this church is
do and see in this part of Sus- dedicated to St Mary the Virgin we
sex which we call home, with its shall be celebrating its patronal
rich variety of river and pasture, festival on 15th August, the feast
downland and woods. of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On
that day, as it’s a Sunday, we shall
When we live amid such natural be relocating our 11am service
beauty it’s not a great hardship from Amberley to North Stoke, in
to holiday at home and visit the the far south of the parish. All are
places which are our local trea- welcome for this annual celebra-
sures. I wonder, which are your tion: if you combine it with a walk,
favourites? Perhaps that spread- why not stay for a picnic in the
ing view across the river, the churchyard?
shady woods or a special picnic The Revd Gerry Burgess
spot. Some are well known but It’s good to retreat to a peaceful
others are quite hidden, waiting to be discovered as place, be it a church or a quiet outdoor spot, where
the seasons change. we can breathe deeply and be still, reconnecting with
ourselves and also with the still, small voice of God
It may seem hard to believe in the summer months with us in the silence. This can give us renewed en-
with the footpaths busy and cyclists whizzing down ergy to go back to the everyday and the challenges
the lanes, but many people don’t even know Amber- we may face.
ley village is tucked away here. They think that hav-
ing been along the B road and past the station they But church isn’t just a place to go into: it is somewhere
have been to Amberley. that we can be strengthened and resourced to go out
In the same way it’s possible to live in our Wildbrooks from. It’s not all about ‘going to church’ on a Sunday,
area for some time and not discover our churches, but rather about living lives which reflect God’s love
all of which are tucked away, most of them without a wherever our week and its demands may take us. So
village of any size. you are welcome to our peaceful churches, welcome
to services, and welcome to join us in sharing God’s
It is good to report that all five churches are now open mission of love for our communities and the world.
daily, welcoming visitors and those seeking a quiet
place for private prayer and reflection. If you haven’t
found them yet, this summer is an ideal time to ex-
plore: all can be reached on foot or by parking near-
by. If you happen to be there at service times you are
welcome to come and join in, even in your walking
boots, whether in church or in the churchyard.
The Revd Gerry Burgess
Priest-in-Charge
The church at North Stoke is the only one not in
4
JULY/AUGUST 2021
JULY/AUGUST SERVICES & BIBLE READINGS
Many of our services continue to be held outdoors in Sunday, 15th August Blessed Virgin Mary
White Array
fine weather. Face coverings and distancing continue
to be required for services in church for the time be- 9.15am Holy Communion Wiggonholt
ing. Please come prepared for all options!
11.00am Patronal Festival North Stoke
(Joint service with Amberley –
Over the summer the number of online services has no service at St Michael’s)
been reduced: please get in touch for details week by
week. 6.00pm Evening Prayer Parham
Please note the changed pattern on 11th and 25th July
in order to accommodate the Tea and Thanks after- Sunday, 22nd August Trinity 12 Green Array
noon on 25th July with a short service on the Millen-
9.00am Matins Greatham
nium Green.
11.00am Holy Communion Amberley
Note also that the 11am service on 15th August is at
North Stoke: there is NO service at Amberley that day.
Sunday, 29th August Trinity 13 Green Array
10am Holy Communion Parham
United Benefice service
Sunday, 4th July Trinity 5 Green Array
9.15am Holy Communion Parham
1.00am Holy Communion Amberley Sunday, 5th September Trinity 14 Green Array
6.00pm Compline Wiggonholt 9.15am Holy Communion Parham
11.00am Holy Communion Amberley
Sunday, 11th July Trinity 6 Green Array
6.00pm Compline Wiggonholt
9.00am Matins Greatham
11.00am Holy Communion Amberley BIBLE READINGS
Sunday, 4th July
Sunday, 18th July Trinity 7 Green Array 2 Samuel 5.1-5, 9-10; Mark 6.1-13;
9.15am Holy Communion Wiggonholt Psalm 48
11.00am Holy Communion Amberley Sunday, 11th July
2 Samuel 6.1-5, 12b-19; Psalm 24;
6.00pm Evening Prayer Parham Mark 6.14-29
Sunday, 25th July Trinity 8 Green Array Sunday, 18th July
2 Samuel 7.1-17a; Mark 6.30-34, 53-end; Psalm 89.1-8
9.00am Holy Communion Greatham
Sunday, 25th July
4.00pm Worship for all
Tea and Thanks on the Millennium Green Psalm 145:10-18; Ephesians 3:14-21; John 6:1-21
Sunday, 1st August
Sunday, 1st August Trinity 9 Green Array 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a; Psalm 51:1-12; John 6:24-35
9.15am Holy Communion Parham
Sunday, 8th August
11.00am Holy Communion Amberley Psalm 34:1-8; Ephesians 4:25-5:2; John 6:35, 41-51
6.00pm Evening Prayer Wiggonholt Sunday, 15th August
Isaiah 61.10-11; Psalm 98; Luke 1.46-55
Sunday, 8th August Trinity 10 Green Array Sunday, 22nd August
1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11), 22-30, 41-43; Psalm 84; John 6:56-69
9.00am Holy Communion Greatham
Sunday, 29th August
10.00am Worship for all Amberley
James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Sunday, 5th September
Psalm 146; James 2:1-10, 14-17; Mark 7:24-37
5
JULY/AUGUST 2021
CHURCH NEWS
Tea and thanks on the Wiggonholt Church
Millennium Green Thanking
By the end of July we really hope that the Covid restric- Janet
tions will be behind us at last. It’s a good time to look back One of the casualties
together over this time of huge disruption to our lives and of the Covid lockdown
society. There have been losses of many kinds, but also was corrected after
good things to be thankful for. the service on Sunday,
June 20, when the
Everyone is invited to a simple service and tea on the Mil- PCC and parishioners
lennium Green on Sunday, 25th July, at 4pm, when we can were finally able to
remember this shared experience and say ‘Thank You’ for thank Janet Aidin, who
those who have supported us here in Amberley and the retired from church-
wider Wildbrooks area in so many different ways. warden duties at the
end of 2021.
We shall be giving awards to some of our stars of lock-
down and adding all names to a roll of honour. For this She had coped with an extended spell of being our sole
we need your nominations! Please send names with a churchwarden and that of church treasurer. These were
sentence about what you are nominating them for (plus all in addition to her safeguarding and parish secretarial
your name as nominee). Names can be e-mailed to am- responsibilities.
berleystmichael@gmail.com or dropped in the postbox for
Downlands Loft (Ros Simpson) by the entrance to Amber- During her time in office, she was very generous in allow-
ley Stores. ing the church to undertake services, meetings and fund-
raising in her house and garden and her team at the Old
Wet weather plans for 25th July, if needed, will be an- Rectory also helped with bookkeeping and church and
nounced nearer the day via Listserve, Amberley Stores churchyard care.
and more.
Janet had made it clear that she did not want any public
Save the date and come and join in – everyone is wel- thanks, but Wiggonholt Church has a long tradition of mak-
come! ing small presentations to acknowledge its gratitude.
This village event is being arranged by St Michael’s Church Janet was thanked boly all and presented with water co-
and the Parish Engagement Group (PEG). lour paintings of Wiggonholt and Greatham Churches by
Duncan Bruce, who many will remember when he lived at
Greatham and was part of the Wiggonholt evensong con-
WIGGONHOLT CHURCH gregation at times. Mervyn Jeffery
From the Parish Registers
COFFEE MORNING
Weddings
on
Ross Egan and Ellie Blunden, at Parham (May 22)
Saturday 21st August
Alexander Gibson and Emma Corby, at Wiggonholt
10.30am-12.30 (June 26)
at Mark Potterton and Alice Nutbourne, at Amberley
(June 26)
Winterfields Farm Wiggonholt
Everyone welcome to sit in the garden Burials
for tea, coffee, cake & biscuits Milly Margetts, burial of ashes at Greatham (May 11)
Georgina Foggo, burial of ashes, at Amberley (June 13)
Vic Hearn, funeral and burial, at Amberley (July 2)
6
JULY/AUGUST 2021
CHURCH NEWS
Fun in the sun at the
Churchyard Weekend
The sun rarely shines as brightly or contin-
uously as it did for St Michael’s Churchyard
Weekend on 12th and 13th June. Just the
thing to make the enjoyment complete.
Over the last couple of years, the church-
yard’s wildflower display has burgeoned
gloriously and in mid-June, it is a riot of co-
lour and diversity. The perfect moment to
find out just how many species have now
made God’s Acre in Amberley their home.
The answer? An amazing 147 at the last
count! So say our resident wildflower ex- Family fun: relaxing in the sun among the churchyard’s display of wildflowers
perts, Richard Robinson and Grahame
In addition, a team from the Sussex Wildlife Trust helped
and Michael Joseph, who have largely been behind the riot
children find and identify a whole host of minibeasts who
of natural beauty which St Michael’s churchyard now is.
have made their homes amid the flowers. There were shield
And that astonishing total will now be added to a national
bugs, a baby stag beetle and a tiny cucumber spider de-
database (the National Biodiversity Network) as part of the
scribed by picnicking children Thea, Henry and Matthias as
Churches Count on Nature initiative.
‘radioactive’ because of its luminous green abdomen.
Surely something to celebrate at a time of habitat and spe-
There was a photography competition, flower pressing host-
cies loss. And that’s just what happened (celebration or
ed by Mary Leonard, while Sue Haynes had produced brief
species loss?). On the Saturday,
guides to some of the graves and cremation plots, a small
an activity day gave grown-ups
sample taken from her main churchyard guide to be found
and children alike the chance
inside the church. It’s a potent reminder that the churchyard
to listen to the wildflower ex-
is a rich repository of village history.
perts detail the wonders of the
churchyard’s myriad plants and Local folk musicians Alan Wheeler and Anne Sartain –
explain identification techniques. members of the Greatham-based folk group Cotillion –
Did you know, for example, that came and played beautiful lilting music as well as joining
the ivy-leaved toadflax always with Anna Macleod to read some flower and wildlife-themed
grows away from the light and poetry and stories. A poem called The Cat That Came to
therefore its creeping stems Church, written by Alan’s father, Eric Wheeler, was especially
point north? continued overleaf
7
JULY/AUGUST 2021
CHURCH NEWS
continued from previous page
enjoyed by Pat and Tim Ashby whose wonderful cat, Samp-
son, did exactly that a couple of weeks ago!
For many, the churchyard is, above all, a place of peace
for reflection and prayer. A cherished corner of the village
where swifts swoop and call and the oxeye daisies delight.
Gerry’s inspirational prayer trail was just right to experience
the sights and sounds of the churchyard mindfully. With 12
stops along the way for contemplation, the trail brings home
the sacredness of nature’s beauty…
A feeling carried over into Sunday morning when parishio-
ners gathered together for an informal service in the open
air – another truly lovely occasion during which Shirley Lin-
ford was persuaded to read Pied Beauty by Gerard Manley
Hopkins. Sue Adams masterminded coffee after the service
while the Foggo family prayerfully interred Georgina’s ash-
es, her little plot suitably decorated with a few churchyard
flowers by her grandchildren.
And so the life of St Michael’s churchyard continues in its
principal purpose of laying to rest in tranquillity and the beau-
ty of nature those who have lived in and loved Amberley.
8
AMBERLEY CARS
Private hire taxi
Mercedes E Class Estate
Locally-based lady driver
All major airports = Long distance journeys no problem
07939 263 495
E-mail: camillanash@yahoo.com
The Bridge Inn
Houghton Bridge
Real Ales, Real Food, Real Pub
Tash and Dave Welcome you back to The Bridge Inn
Opening Hours
Wednesday to Thursday 12-3 / 5.30-9.30
Friday and Saturday 12-10
Sunday 12-5
Please see our website for latest information www.bridgeinnamberley.com
Or call on 01798 831619 e-mail bridgeamberley@btinternet.com
Home cooked food and excellent ales served in a warm and friendly
atmosphere!
Rydon
Landscapes
M.D. Woodger Garden Design and Construction
Domestic Boiler Maintenance
1 Dora Cottage, Greatham,
Service/Repair/Commissioning
of oil-fired boilers and Aga cookers Pulborough
Registered OFTEC technician
Telephone Tel: (01798) 872359
01730 894211 07795 831589 (mobile) Mobile: 07711 663862
Jane Bellinger
Professional Cordon Bleu Chef
Dinner Parties Canapés
Luncheons Afternoon Teas
Picnics Buffets
Weddings Desserts The Square, Amberley
No VAT Tel: 07384 294003
Open six days a week (closed Weds)
Tel: 01798 839433
10.30am - 4.00pm
E-mail: njanebellinger@gmail.com
www.amberleyvillagetearoom.co.uk
www.janebellinger.com
E-mail: laura.jackie.tearoom@gmail.com
QUALITY LOCAL INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DECORATOR
=Over 30 years’ experience
=Fully insured
=References available
=No VAT
For a professional service, contact:
Jonathan Capelin
(West Chiltington)
01798 817402JULY/AUGUST 2021
PEOPLE & EVENTS
Congratulations… each and every child in our care, in a safe and welcoming
environment
To John Rezin, of Field End, Amberley, who celebrates
his 95th birthday on July 5. And to Patricia Chapman, of = To share resources and make use of staff with particular
Hurst Cottages, who celebrates her 80th birthday on July skills to the benefit of both schools
22. Also, belatedly, to Grahame Joseph, who notched up
his three score and ten, along with twin brother Michael, =To continue raising standards for all pupils including
on May 28. those who are disadvantaged, and those with Special Ed-
ucational Needs
Our condolences... =To secure long-term financial sustainability for both
To Jim Endacott and family on the loss of Sue, who died schools taking into account funding challenges and fluctu-
peacefully at home on June 18 after a relatively short ating pupil numbers.
illness. The funeral is expected to be held at their church
in Broadbridge Heath on July 9, with burial at St Michael’s. =To work in partnership with all stakeholders and in par-
An Appreciation will appear in the September issue. ticular the local communities and the Diocese
Also to the daughters, Marina and Debbie, and family of =To protect the identity of each school and to cement their
Vic Hearn, whose funeral takes place at St Michael’s on position within the local community
July 2 (see page 15).
We made a commitment that having a formal legal identity
And to the relatives and many friends of Susan-Ann as a federation would not change the individual identity
Dowle, who died, aged 82, on June 25 in St Richard’s and character of the schools and aspects such as school
Hospital, Chichester, following a stroke ten days earlier. uniform; school identity; parent organisations; and sports
An Appreciation will also appear in the September issue. teams etc would remain the same. We were and very
much still are determined to retain the identities of the two
Rackham show cancelled schools and to cement their key roles at the heart of the
local communities.
The Rackham Fete and Flower Show has been cancelled
for a second year because of the pandemic. “The commit- Now that our federation is well-established and our schools
tee feels that the uncertainty of the restrictions which may are working together more closely, we have been able to
be in place and the work which is involved has sadly made appoint a central senior leadership team, all of whom will
us come to this conclusion,” says Sue Bulloch. The event work across both schools.
had taken place on August Bank Holiday Monday every
year since the Second World War until 2020. We are delighted to confirm that Mrs Lizzie Martin will be-
come Executive Headteacher for the Arun Villages Fed-
eration from September. Mrs Martin joined St James’,
Baptisms coming up! Coldwaltham in April 2019 as a senior teacher and was
It’s lovely to have two families bringing their children for promoted to Head of School in September 2020. Mrs Mar-
baptism (christening) this summer at St Michael’s. Details tin quickly demonstrated that she is a natural leader, and
will be in the next magazine. is well liked and highly respected by the children, staff and
parents. Prior to joining St James’, she had successful ex-
If you would like your child to be baptised at one of our
perience of leadership roles in another federation in East
churches please get in touch with Revd Gerry to discuss
Sussex.
it. There is no charge for this, which can take place either
during a main Sunday service or separately. Mrs Martin will be supported by two Assistant Executive
Headteachers: Mr Paul Armitage – Teaching and Learn-
New school appointments ing, and Mrs Nicky Kirby – Operations. Those of you who
are familiar with Amberley School will know Mr Armitage
The Arun Villages Federation (AVF) was born on July 9 as our current Head of School and his depth of knowledge
2019 so when you read this we will have celebrated our and work in helping to develop the curriculum has been
second birthday – and what a two years it has been. Am- well recognised. Mrs Kirby is the current Business Man-
berley Primary School and St James’ Primary School, ager at St James’, and has been tremendous in her cur-
Coldwaltham, came together as a federation with the fol- rent role, showing a willingness to go the extra mile to the
lowing key aims: benefit of both schools and the federation.
= To ensure that we provide the very best education to continued overleaf
11JULY/AUGUST 2021
continued from previous page
The new structure is bold, innovative, forward look-
ing and reflects our ambition to ensure that we pro-
vide the very best safe and caring learning environ-
ment enabling every child to thrive and succeed
On a sadder note, Mrs Su Cork is moving on and
will be leaving us at the end of the summer term.
Mrs Cork has shown tremendous commitment to
all the children at Amberley over many years, and
has made an amazing contribution to the life of the
school both within and beyond the classroom. She
will be very much missed, and we wish her every New team picture line-up (from left to right): Nicky Kirby,
success and happiness in her new role. Lizzie Martin and PaulArmitage
Mrs Rebecca Metcalf has been appointed as her ing to break sweat! Her leadership and management skills
successor and she will be our Willow Class teacher, sup- have transformed the teams at both schools and we
ported by Mrs Sarah Philpott. Willow Class parents and move into the next academic year full of optimism and con-
children will have the opportunity to meet Mrs Metcalf later fidence.
in the term. We very much look forward to welcoming her
to the Amberley team and to working with her next year. Also leaving us at the end of this term is Glenys Rowe,
who has been a governor for many years and has worked
Since Mr Armitage will not have class responsibility next tirelessly in the interests of the children. Glenys has been
year, we have appointed Mrs Zuleika Phillips to the teach- the driving force behind the Nature Space outdoor learning
ing team. Mrs Phillips is an experienced teacher who has facility which has made Amberley School the envy of many
been hiding her light under a bushel. She will bring both other schools. While Glenys is stepping down as a gover-
expertise and huge enthusiasm to her new role next year. nor, I suspect (and hope!) that she will continue to help the
She will be teaching Oak Class. school and our pupils.
Mrs Rebecca Westwood will be remaining in Maple Class We are delighted to welcome the Reverend Gerry Burgess
and I’m sure will continue to deliver her lively and inspira- to our governing board. As, I’m sure you will all know Gerry
tional teaching. has worked so hard and contributed so much to the village
since she became Priest-in-Charge for the Wildbrooks
At the end of the summer term, Mrs Stephanie Gibson is Benefice. The governing board will also be strengthened
stepping down from her role as Interim Executive Head- by Melanie Edge who has agreed to join us in September.
teacher but she will be staying with us in an advisory role They will both be real assets on our board. Ray Jackson
for a significant period. I have worked closely with Stepha- Chair of Governors
nie over the past year and have been delighted to observe
how she has calmly introduced a new and exciting curricu-
lum, reorganised and updated our management of safe- Elizabeth Butler
guarding, health & safety and compliance, without seem-
Memorial Service and Exhibition
Two events in early August will celebrate the life
Tea and Thanks on the and work of Amberley resident and artist Elizabeth,
who died last October.
Millennium Green The service will be held at St Michael’s, Amberley,
on Friday, 6th August, at 11.30am.
Sunday, 25th July, at 4pm The exhibition, with works available for sale, will be
at nearby Rackham Old School, from Thursday 5th to
A simple service of remembrance Saturday 7th August, with these opening times:
and thanksgiving. Thursday 5th, 2-6.30pm / Friday 6th, 2-6.30pm
Saturday 7th, 10-6.30pm
All welcome
All proceeds to go to Elizabeth’s chosen charity,
Médecins Sans Frontières.
12Amberley Village Pottery
Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday
and Sunday from 11.00am
Move Better,
Feel Better,
Live Better!
Please call 01903 743 538
for more information
or email us at
office@spc-physiotherapy.co.uk
A selection of pots is available for
purchase at Amberley Village Stores
Phone: 01798 831 876
www.spc-physiotherapy.co.uk E-mail: caroline@amberleypottery.co.uk
3768_Wildbrooks-Ad-90mmx130mm_AW.indd 1 10/12/2018 14:13
HELPING OUR LOCAL
COMMUNITY GET MOVING
FOR NEARLY THIRTY YEARS
With our two offices in Storrington and
Pulborough, we take pride in our traditional
approach to sales and lettings, applying
local knowledge and experience to achieve
excellent results and client satisfaction
Photos show recently sold or let properties
01798 874033 www.glproperty.co.uk
SALES | LETTINGS | LAND & NEW HOMES | AUCTIONSKN
O W T H YSELF
SLINDON
COLLEGE
Slindon College is an Independent Day and Boarding School for boys aged 8-18,
set in the historic Slindon House, located in the South Downs National Park.
Slindon College provides a stimulating, broad and balanced educational
experience for pupils of all academic abilities, taking into account their
strengths and talents.
The College offers outstanding transformative education and pastoral care
for boys who will thrive in a specialist learning environment.
“This school has changed my son and our life for the better.
Happy child, happy parents, happy home.” Parent 2019
. .
. .
High teacher to student ratio Local minibus pick up available
. .
Day, Flexi/Weekly/Termly Boarding Extensive enrichment program
Bursaries & Scholarships available Visits welcome all year
. .
Slindon House, Slindon, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 0RH
01243 814320 registrar@slindoncollege.co.uk www.slindoncollege.co.ukJULY/AUGUST 2021
Victor James Hearn, 1939-2021 ionship. With his sense of fun, laughter and banter he would
always return with stories of older ladies chasing him.
Vic Hearn, who has died aged 82, was born and bred in
West Sussex. One of eight children – there were four broth- He loved cricket and would be up all night watching match-
ers and three sisters – he was born at Coldharbour, in Grey- es being played on the other side of the world.
friars Lane, Storrington.
With Vic’s character and infectious chuckle
Of his childhood, one of his favourite memo- he was perfect for playing Father Christmas.
ries was helping to bungee launch gliders from Initially, he was apprehensive and nervous
the Downs near Kithurst Hill. In the days be- but once behind the costume, really got into
fore tug planes and winch launches, gliders the role and loved it, assisted at times by his
would be dragged high up on the downs by next door neighbour, Phil O’Beirne dressed as
teams of men and boys. A large elastic rope his Elf helper His venues included Amberley
would be attached and tensioned before the School, Amberley Village Lunches, plus the
glider was catapulted off the hillside. As it did Wyevale garden centre at Stopham and Hill-
so he remembers the several painful thwacks side Nursing Home at Pulborough.
he received on his short-trousered legs from
the elastic rope! There was one occasion when a little girl said
to him “You’ve got a pillow up there” and with a genuine
Vic met Celia when she was aged just 15, while she was ho-ho-ho Vic replied, “Oh no I haven’t!” It started off as a
working at the Abbingworth Hall Hotel, in Thakeham. They bit of fun but he was astounded and should have been im-
met in Storrington “going to the pictures” in the Village Hall. mensely proud of all the donations he collected for the Kent,
Vic had a hard seat but he paid sixpence for a cushion for Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance.
Celia. After the film he pursued her all round Storrington for
what was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Vic leaves two daughters, four grandchildren and one great
grandchild.
After their marriage two years later in 1960, they lived ini-
tially at Picketty Cottages in Thakeham before moving to a =The funeral takes place at St Michael’s Church on Friday,
farm at Rogate where Vic had been offered a job. He then July 2.
moved to a farm at Wisborough Green before finishing up
at Springhead Farm on the Parham Estate.
There is still time to
He was at home, whether it was dairy or arable, but during sign-up for Ride and
the latter part of his working life, when sheep were intro- Stride, back this year
duced to the estate, he was never hesitant in expressing his after its cancellation
total dislike of sheep. in 2020 because of
the Covid pandemic.
Following redundancy at Springhead, he became a heavy
is back.
plant operator at Rock Common Sandpit until his retirement.
It takes place on Sat-
Vic and Celia moved to their bungalow in Hurst Cottages 28
urday, September 11.
years ago. The family had already established strong con-
It provides walkers
nections with Amberley, with Celia and daughters Marina
and cyclists with the opportunity to visit some of Sus-
and Debbie regularly playing stoolball for many years on
sex’s stunning places of worship and to raise money
the cricket field.
through sponsorship for a Wildbrooks church of their
It was a devastating blow when Cis, suddenly and tragically choice and the Sussex Historic Churches Trust.
died in a car accident in the village. Many worried how Vic
There is no fixed route so participants have the fun of
was going to cope. But the supportive village rallied round
planning their own journey to clock up as many church-
and his friends were like a second family to him.
es as possible.
He threw himself into village life, making new friends and
So, if you would enjoy a day’s walk or bike ride visiting
finding fun again. In return he really enjoyed helping out
some of Sussex’s most beautiful churches and rais-
wherever he could. He cut grass, watered gardens when
ing money for a Wildbrooks church of your choice and
people went on holiday, did dog sitting and if a marquee
the Sussex Historic Churches Trust at the same time,
was to be pitched for a village event, he would be the first
please contact me for the name of your Parish Organ-
to volunteer. He loved the Village Lunches, SAGE visits and
iser or for any more information about the event (01798
the Amberley Society, rarely missing any of their events.
831 181 or tolsonjab@btinternet.com).
For holidays he took coach trips and enjoyed the compan- James Tolson
15JULY/AUGUST 2021
Borrowing to build the
Amberley car park
As residents we are all aware of the press-
ing problem of car parking in Amberley – the
evidence is before our eyes nearly every day.
This can only get more severe as the lock-
down ends, visitors return, and hospitality re-
opens.
Building a car park was a key policy in our
Neighbourhood Plan (NP), which was ap-
proved and adopted by the South Downs Na-
tional Park Authority (SDNPA) in June 2017.
Our NP was approved by over 90 per cent of
voters (57 per cent of parishioners voted). A
copy of the Amberley Neighbourhood Plan
can be found at this link on the Parish Council
website: www.amberley-pc.org.uk/Neigh-
bourhood_ Plan_Delivery_23127.aspx Top: parking problems in East Street; above: the site on the corner of
School Road and Turnpike Road for the proposed car park
In order to get on with making the car park hap- parish, with a response form on the back. Response forms
pen, the Parish Council proposes to borrow £75,000 from may be left in the collection box at the Village Shop, or if you
the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB: a Government body prefer to submit a response online, you can do so via the
specifically set up to fund public works). The interest rates survey link on the Parish Council website (www.amberley-
on loans from the PWLB are low, and remain low for the life pc.org.uk).
of the loan, although there could be penalties for paying off
early if interest rates rise in the interim. We hope you will support this initiative, as the Parish Coun-
cil considers this the best way to deliver the project, and
We plan to borrow over a 30-year period, with the expec- help alleviate parking problems in the Parish. I will be happy
tation that the community levy on approved and planned to answer any of your questions, you can email me at geof-
housing developments in the Parish (for example, at Straw- furen@amberley-pc.org.uk, with the subject CAR PARK
berry Villas) will give us the option to pay back most of the CONSULTATION in the subject line.
loan within a few years. We are consulting with residents
and local businesses, and asking for your support for the The closing date for responses is July 15, 2021. Please
Parish Council to borrow the bulk of the money needed to submit only one response per household or business.
build the car park. Thank you,
Geoff Uren
The basic construction work for the car park will cost around Chairman, Amberley Parish Council
£90,000, plus additional smaller amounts for landscaping,
provision of low-power lighting and eventually electric vehi-
cle charging points. We have £15,000 available to us from
the levy on a previous housing development, but this still
Prepare for rail disruption
Rail services to and from Amberley will be disrupted during
leaves a shortfall of £75,000. We have made extensive at- July and August while Network Rail carries out major engi-
tempts to raise this money, via applications to the Heritage neering works on the Arun line.
Lottery Fund, to the UK Rural Development Programme,
and to SDNPA’s Strategic Infrastructure Fund – in each The dates affected are Sunday, July 11 and the weekends
case to be told that car parks are not a sufficiently high pri- of July 17-18 and July 31-August 1. There will be a complete
ority. nine-day shutdown between August 14-22, including week-
days. There will be further closures on the weekend of Sep-
So, if we raise the loan, how will it be repaid? We are pro- tember 4-5 and Sunday, October 3.
posing to add the cost of the repayments to the Parish pre-
cept (the Parish part of your Council Tax). The average ad- On all dates, services from Southampton, Portsmouth &
ditional cost per Band D household will be less than £1 per Southsea and Bognor Regis will still run, but will have longer
month. journey times as they are diverted via Hove.
We are consulting with residents and business owners in Furthermore, as a result of work to upgrade the lines into
the Parish to assess the support for the PWLB loan. We Victoria, most trains will be diverted to London Bridge on
are delivering flyers to all households and businesses in the Sundays, June 6 and 27.
16AMBERLEY OIL
Superstore prices with great local service
SYNDICATE
Personal service and advice for all your domestic
appliance needs
Plus recycling of your old equipment, if needed
Syndicate members can claim their FREE oil
voucher, worth £25, which can be deducted
from their next boiler service or emergency
call-out.
Vouchers are available from:
View the full range of appliances in store
Chris Hough on 01798 839 040 or e-mail
Many more brands available chris@michaelmas.org.uk
Monday-Friday 64 Lower Street
01798 For enquiries about prices, contact:
8.30am-5.30pm Pulborough
872866 Mike Clenshaw on 01798 872 371 or e-mail
Saturday RH20 2BW
amberleyenergysyndicate@gmail.com
9.00am-1.00pm www.willmers.com
Lee & Sophie look forward to welcoming you back
The Sportsman
We are able to accept Opening hours
table bookings in line
with current government Monday: Closed
guidelines. Tuesday-Thursday:
12 noon-3pm & 5pm-10pm
We thank you for your
continued co-operation in Friday & Saturday:
keeping other customers 12 noon-11pm
and our staff safe. Sunday: 12 noon-5pm
Come and try our new Food service
menu – old favourites are
also still available. Tuesday- Saturday:
12 noon-2pm/6pm-9pm
We have a great range of
Sunday: 12 noon-3pm
local ales and craft beers.
Website: www.
Take-aways also available
thesportsmansussex.co.uk
during food service hours.
For reservations call 01798 831 787JULY/AUGUST 2021
Supporting your Village Bus shield. Others, though still using the bus occasionally, don’t
travel as frequently as they did before. Many people may
For more than 30 years, the Amberley and Slindon Village
simply have lost the confidence to mix with others and are
Bus has provided a lifeline to many in our community. For
not yet ready to return to “normal” life. What is noticeable,
some, it’s the only means of getting to larger shops and ser-
however, is that fewer “new” passengers are making use of
vices in nearly centres. For others, it’s a convenient way
the service. With this in mind, the next time you need to go
of getting out without having to drive or worry about park-
to Chichester (or Bognor or Littlehampton) or have to pop
ing. For almost everyone, it creates the opportunity to meet
out to Storrington or Pulborough, why not consider using the
friends and neighbours, have a chat or, when it’s allowed,
Village Bus. Or, even if you just fancy a trip out, or a change
a coffee or lunch, and try to work out who will win the latest
of scene, or a chance of a chat with a fresh face.
series of Strictly or Bake Off. As more and more commercial
bus services have been withdrawn in recent years, the need Every precaution is taken to ensure that the service is safe
for a reliable, locally run, bus service has never been more to use. Hand sanitiser is available; seats and handrails are
important.
Although the Village Bus works
on a not for profit basis, and
is managed entirely by vol-
unteers, it operates in exactly
the same way as a commer-
cial service, with scheduled
routes and a published time-
table (see page 35). Seating
14 passengers, it serves four
local destinations every week
– Storrington/Pulborough on
a Monday morning, Bognor
Regis on a Monday afternoon,
Littlehampton/Rustington on a
Wednesday and Chichester on
a Thursday. A service to Worth-
ing also operates on the first
Tuesday of each month. Users
have between 1½ and 3 hours Driving force: pictured with the Village Bus co-ordinator, Phil Greenwood (centre) are (from the
at each location. And, whilst left) volunteer drivers Barbara Brimblecombe (Slindon), Elisabeth Toom, Malcolm Pheasey and
the service primarily supports Russell Coates, who is standing down. Alex Dunlop, the other volunteer, is not pictured
local residents, it can be used
cleansed after every journey; and passengers are encour-
by members of the general public who can pick up the bus
aged to use only window seats to maintain social distance.
at any of the scheduled stops. Those passengers eligible
Hopefully, as the vaccination programme continues to roll
for a Freedom Pass travel free; for younger users, a flat rate
out and lockdown restrictions ease, passenger numbers will
fare of £3 per return journey represents excellent value for
start to climb. But, as with any service, the time may arise
money.
when it becomes a question of, “use it or lose it”.
Like many services involving people from different house-
Whatever the future holds, the Village Bus service can
holds meeting in a confined “indoor” space, the Covid pan-
only operate if we have sufficient volunteer drivers. Over
demic has had a significant impact on the Village Bus. As
the years we’ve managed to attract new drivers to replace
the pandemic took hold last spring, government guidance to
those who have retired. But we are now down to 5 regular
stop non-essential contact with others and avoid unneces-
drivers, which is about the minimum required to operate ef-
sary travel, meant that the service had to be suspended for
fectively. So, if you have any spare time, or some flexibility
six months. Since it restarted last September, passenger
in your working day, I hope you might think about becoming
numbers have not returned to pre-Covid levels, falling by
a volunteer driver. You wouldn’t be committed to work a set
more than 60 per cent for the three months leading up to
number of times, or on particular days of the week – any
Christmas 2020, and declining even further following the in-
contribution would be an enormous help.
troduction of the third national lockdown this January, when
schools and non-essential shops were required to close If you would like more information about the Village Bus ser-
again. vice, or would like to discuss becoming a volunteer driver,
please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Phil Greenwood
There are many reasons for this decline. Some regular
passengers have become too frail to travel, or continue to (01798) 831 803 or e-mail philandad@btinternet.com
18JULY/AUGUST 2021
Vicarage concerts to raise port, creating opportunities, addressing
inequalities, and altogether safeguarding
funds for musicians the future of the music world.
Amberley is to be the venue for the West Sussex
Booking will be needed for these concerts
performances in an exciting series of concerts tak-
and we’d like to give priority initially to lo-
ing place across all counties of England.
cal residents. You are welcome to any or
J S Bach wrote 48 preludes and fugues for key- all of the short performances. Seating will
board, and pianist Libby Burgess will be playing all be indoors with extra outside if weather
48 in each of the 48 counties over the year. We are permits. We hope (subject to final lifting of
privileged to host the West Sussex concerts here. Covid restrictions) to seat up to 30 peo-
ple reasonably distanced between two
There will be six short concerts of about 45 minutes rooms. Either call or e-mail Steve or Gerry
on Thursday, July 29 and Friday, July 30 at 11am, Burgess on (01798) 831 600 or at steveg-
2pm and 5pm each day, to be given in the New Musical marathon: Libby erryburgess@gmail.com), stating which
Vicarage in School Road. Burgess is playing Bach’s day and time(s) you are booking for – you
48 preludes and fugues in can come to any or all performances – and
Libby, a freelance professional musician, is the 48 counties give contact details in case any arrange-
daughter of Steve and Gerry Burgess. She was ments have to change.
born and bred in West Sussex before going on to the become
the first female organ scholar at Christ Church Cathedral, Ox- The concerts will be free but we request your donations to
ford. She then studied piano at the Royal Academy of Music cover a modest performance fee and to give generous sup-
and has a wide-ranging career as performer, writer, speaker port to the four named charities.
and coach; she was formerly Head of Keyboard at Eton Col-
lege. Libby is artistic director of New Paths Music and co-
artistic director of the Beverley Chamber Music Festival.
The nominated Project 48 charities
HELP MUSICIANS provided over 19,000 musicians with Fi-
Once the pandemic struck in 2020 Libby was one of many nancial Hardship Funding in 2020, following the pandemic.
freelance players with virtually no work nor financial support, They offer a range of creative development funding, support-
but this gave her time to plan a unique project, performing ing professional growth and training, and run a free mental
Bach’s 48 Preludes and Fugues in each of the 48 counties health service for everyone working in the UK music industry
of England. There have been online tasters since the start of – Music Minds Matter.
2021 and live concerts began in May.
YOUTH MUSIC works to break down barriers so that all chil-
Each of ‘The 48’ lasts only a few minutes, but between them dren and young people are able to have musical lives, work-
they explore a wealth of characters, styles, and moods, rep- ing particularly with those in challenging circumstances. They
resenting not only the diversity of musical language available give grants to other organisations – small charities, arts ven-
to the composer at the time, but also exploring the whole ues, music businesses, youth clubs, music education hubs,
gamut of human emotional experience. housing associations, nurseries and more – to run music-
making projects for children and young people aged 0-25.
Bach wrote this magnificent collection “for the benefit and
use of the musical youth eager to learn, as well as for the FUTURE TALENT operates two programmes supporting
special pastime of those already skilful in this study.” gifted young musicians from low-income backgrounds across
the UK. They provide workshops, one-to-one mentoring ses-
This project will be fundraising for musical charities which sions with experts, and performance opportunities, as well
provide much-needed help to those same categories of peo- as financial support and guidance. The charity is creating a
ple today – musicians young and old. The nominated Proj- permanent presence in the North of England, enabling them
ect 48 charities are Help Musicians, Live Music Now, Future to better reach and support young musicians in the North and
Talent and Youth Music. Between them they help hundreds beyond.
of thousands of musicians every year, offering financial sup- continued overleaf
19JULY/AUGUST 2021
continued from previous page ject of the talk by James Russell on July 6 for members of the
Arts Society of West Sussex.
LIVE MUSIC NOW,
founded by Yehudi It will once again be via Zoom video-conferencing although
Menuhin, facilitates thou- it is hoped that talks will resume in Fittleworth Village Hall in
sands of interactive mu- September. A link will be sent to all members prior to the talks.
sic programmes every
year in care homes, hos- Interested non-members are welcome, for a fee of £5, and
pitals, special schools, should contact Jackie Buckler on (01903) 411086 or e-mail
and other community westsussex@theartssociety.org
and healthcare settings.
LMN selects young,
professional musicians, C.A.M.E.O
trains them, and sends them out into the community to per-
form. As Menuhin said: “Music, amongst all the great arts, is COME AND MEET EACH OTHER
the language which penetrates most deeply into the human
spirit, reaching people through every barrier, disability, lan-
TUESDAY 13th JULY
guage and circumstance. This is why it has been my dream
to bring music back into the lives of those people whose lives and
are especially prone to stress and suffering… so that it might
comfort, heal and bring delight.” TUESDAY 10th AUGUST
TEA and MORE
= For more information about the charities and the pro-
ject, see the project website: www.bachproject48.co.uk. MILLENNIUM GREEN
2pm - 3.30pm
A garden like no other Rsvp Hazel 01798 831159
Las Pozas, a surrealistic group of structures created by Ed-
ward James, an eccentric modern artist/gardener, in a sub- Come and Join Us!
tropical rainforest in the mountains of Mexico will be the sub-
The George & Dragon, Houghton
TEL: 01798 831559
Email: info@thegeorgeanddragonhoughton.co.uk
www.thegeorgeanddragonhoughton.co.uk
FOR ALL INFO DO CHECK OUR WEBSITE, FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM
OR JUST GIVE US A CALL – WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
20JULY/AUGUST 2021
Amberley Museum opens restored and re-imagined nature trails
Amberley Museum’s re-imagined nature trails were opened on
June 5 at a celebration for World Environment Day that was at-
tended by local community organisations with a common aim
to make West Sussex a more environmentally friendly place.
These included Sussex Green Living, Horsham Repair Café,
UK Harvest, Chichester Conservation Volunteers, South
Downs National Park Authority, Worthing Climate Action Net-
work, Action in Rural Sussex, Wild Sussex, West Sussex
County Council Bikeability and Horsham District Cycling Forum.
Tim Burr, deputy chair of the Policy and Resources Committee
of the South Downs National Park Authority officially opened
the nature trails, which have been restored thanks to funding
from the SDNPA’s COVID Recovery Fund. There are two trails
ties introduced by Bella the Bat, who was drawn by a pupil
at the museum: the Hillside Trail had been closed for some
from Amberley School.
time due to fences falling into disrepair and many ash trees
along the path suffering from ash dieback and needing to be Brighton Energy Cooperative, which installed solar panels on
felled. Thanks to the funding, the Hillside Trail is open once the museum’s Connected Earth building 15 months ago, also
had a stand and presented a certificate to Richard Vernon,
chairman of the museum’s trustees to mark the reduced car-
bon emissions in 2020 as a result of the panels, equivalent to
the planting of 1,591 trees.
The museum has put in place COVID-19 measures to ensure
the safety of visitors, volunteers and staff and has received the
‘We’re Good to Go’ Industry Standard to confirm that it is fol-
lowing Government and industry guidelines and processes to
maintain cleanliness and social distancing. Visit their website
for more information: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk/visit/visit-
during-covid-19/
Anyone wishing to have a memorable day out at Amberley
SDNPA’s Tim Burr and museum director Valerie Mills must currently book in advance on the museum’s website
for the day that they wish to visit. Amberley Museum is open
again and visitors can climb to the top of the White Pit and see 10am-4.30pm, Wednesday to Sunday, and Bank Holiday
spectacular views of the Arun Valley. Mondays.
The Lower Nature trail is a more leisurely stroll that now in- There is a café at the Museum which serves hot food and re-
cludes a new outdoor meeting space for groups, such as freshments, with seating both inside and outside on the café
guides and scouts, and where adult classes can take place. terrace and you may also bring picnics. The site is wheelchair
Both trails have new information boards with children’s activi accessible, and dogs are welcome on a lead.
Helping to make West Sussex a more environmentally-friendly place: Horsham Repair Cafe, UK Harvest and Brighton Energy Co-op
21JULY/AUGUST 2021
Amberley Mini Gardens Open raises close on £2,000
A huge ‘thank you’ to all the residents, friends and family There were many comments mentioning how good it was
of the Wildbrooks Parishes for your wonderful support of to be out and about again, meeting people and enjoying
the Mini Gardens Open Weekend in aid of Action Medical the gardens at leisure. It will give us so much pleasure to
Research. send to the charity such a large sum on behalf of you all.
Suzie Coates and Jacqui Feakins
The event, the first we’ve held with COVID-19 restrictions,
raised a total, £1955.20p. = Action Medical Research began in 1952 as a fund for
research into the disease, set up by an Amberley father
Owners worked hard to have the gardens looking perfect of a young girl with polio. People like you donated money
and we were rewarded by a wonderful variety of planting and the first UK polio vaccines were developed. Millions
and inspired gardening. Quite a feat, bearing in mind the of children have been kept safe ever since.
cold spring, followed by a wet and windy May. Pictures by Mike Beck
Jan Wright and Pat Morley Dave and Sarah Cole Peter and Catherine Cunningham
Sue Woods (centre) with Angela and Chris Hough Jackie Townsend and Don Gallagher
22JULY/AUGUST 2021
Malcolm and Sue Pheasey Mike and Sue Adams Guy Leonard
Russell and Suzie Coates Clare Attard with son Jamie
Phil and Adrienne Greenwood Charles and Carolyn Shaw and Ros and Tim Simpson visiting the Coates’ garden
Steve and Gerry Burgess Marj and James Tolson with Sandie Conlon Holly Lambert
23The Old Dairy
Pallinghurst Farm, Rudgwick
West Sussex, RH12 3BQ
01403 823323
Enhance your home with the timeless character
of a traditional, tried and trusted, Oak Frame.
Hand crafted in West Sussex by carpenters with a passion for keeping
old traditions alive.
Free, 3D design service supplied with your, no obligation, quote.
Book an appointment to visit our showroom to discuss your project.
Rich & Dan
Email: info@oakframing.com
W W W. O A K F R A M I N G . CO MJULY/AUGUST 2021
Amberley Parish Council cently updated its access point near the sewage plant off
New Barn Road and that only properties backing on to the
What your railway line were notified of scheduled repair works. Coun-
councillors cillors agreed that the clerk should write to Network Rail to
ask if it could also notify the parish council so the informa-
discussed tion could be passed on to other affected residents.
Highlights of the Annual Parish Council meeting held Councillors were informed of a possible grant application,
on 6th May 6, 2021, via Zoom video- conferencing. initiated by Dr Charles Shaw, of the Houghton Parish Meet-
ing, and Laura Rawnsley, on behalf of APC, for a pedes-
Present: Geoff Uren (chairman), Jason Charman, Peter trian route linking the Monarch’s Way with Amberley station.
Cozens, Hazel Allinson, Elisabeth Tooms, Tim Simpson, There had already been preliminary discussions with Steve
Leigh Cresswell, Laura Rawnsley and Alex Beveridge. Also Douglas, West Sussex County Council Highways’ area
in attendance: Horsham District councillor Brian Donnelly, manager. It was proposed that funding be requested for two
Vicky Spiers (parish clerk) and two members of the public. parallel elements:
Geoff Uren was re-elected as chairman of Amberley Par- = An interim solution, which would help to redirect walkers
ish for a sixth consecutive year at the annual meeting and from the busy stretch of road with no pavement (namely the
Jason Charman was also re-elected at vice-chairman. causeway and up Blacksmiths Hill) and provide them safe
access from Houghton Lane up to the Monarch’s Way
Parking problems, the possibility of a pedestrian route link-
ing Monarch’s Way with Amberley station and the need for = A feasibility study for a larger infrastructure project that
more volunteers to the Community Speedwatch initiative would provide a direct, linear route - this would remove most
were among the topics discussed at the meeting. risk to walkers and benefit residents and businesses.
There had been a number of complaints from residents Laura Rawnsley sought the parish council’s endorsement
about inconsiderate and/or illegal parking in for the initiative, a request to which members
various parts of the parish. Vehicles parked agreed.
on both sides of East Street were causing
obstructions and interfering with the free flow There was a call for more volunteers to help
of traffic; in The Square, the bus shelter had monitor vehicles as part of the Community
been blocked by large vans, thus prevent- Speedwatch initiative, and someone was
ing passengers from using it as well as mak- needed to lead the Amberley team. Follow-
ing the defibrillator difficult to access; and at ing complaints about the speed of vehicles in
the junction of Stoke Road and the B2139 Rackham Road, it was agreed to install speed
at Houghton Bridge a badly parked car had recording strips in order to gain evidence and
been reported to the police via Operation numbers of violators. This would be actioned
Crackdown. once building work at Mile House had been
completed.
An earlier campaign of putting notices on
cars parked inconsiderately had not worked. A parish council initiative On the subject of the proposed car park, Tim
to help support local Simpson said the estimated cost was around
Yellow lines would not be policed and would
businesses post-Covid £100,000, £15,000 of which would be gener-
simply move the cars to other areas of the vil-
lage. The proposed village car park was con- ated from Section 106 funds, £50,000 from
sidered to be the solution by members but, as reported later, Community Infrastructure (CIL) funding from the planned
funding was still proving to be something of a challenge. It Strawberry Villa development and £35,000 from a South
was agreed to ask PCSO Michael Gamble to the next PC Downs National Park Authority grant or a variety of other
meeting to discuss whether there were any other options in means. He pointed out that the planning permission for the
the interim. car park would expire in August 2022. Building work for
Strawberry Villas had been delayed four times but all the
The proposed village car park, located on the corner of legal issues had now been resolved, with just the documen-
School Road and the B2139, was considered to be the so- tation awaiting formalisation. Work was expected to start
lution by council members. at the end of May but this had not been formally agreed.
He added that the planning permission for this development
A resident of Church Street, unhappy about Network Rail was due to expire in April 2023.
using the end of the road for parking (on May 8 there were
no fewer than 14 vehicles) while repairs are being made In response to a question from Peter Cozens why the parish
to the railway, had complained and sought the support of council had not considered obtaining a loan from the
the council. Peter Cozens said that Network Rail had re- continued overleaf
25JULY/AUGUST 2021
continued from previous page system is easy to use
and appreciated not hav-
Public Works Loan Board as this would enable work on the ing to queue for long to
car park to start earlier, Mr Simpson said he would calculate get on site”.
the cost of borrowing the funds required and circulate his
findings to the Amberley Neighbourhood Plan committee. It However, the restriction
was agreed that a committee meeting would be required to of one visit per week
discuss this option in more detail. Leigh Cresswell said he has been a drawback for
would investigate whether grants would be available to fund some users. Now that social distancing measures are able to
the proposed electric charging points in the car park. be eased at sites the trial has moved into a second phase,
which changed the previous limit of one visit per household per
Mr Cozens reported that the pre-planning application for week, to allow for five bookings to be made within any calen-
Pickwick, in Turnpike Road, had been submitted to the SD- dar month. This will increase the number of permitted visits per
NPA, which was currently looking at the plans for seven household from 52 to 60 across the year.
houses on the site. He also said that work on the revised
Parish of Amberley Design Statement was progressing well, “One of the biggest factors that people have spoken to us
the committee had met and walked around the conserva- about is the occasional need to visit a site several times in
tion area, Hurst Cottages and up to the Rackham border quick succession, and not needing to return for several weeks
to review housing styles/materials etc. They would shortly or even months,” says Deborah Urquhart, Cabinet Member for
be doing a similar walk around Houghton Bridge and North Environment and Climate Change.
Stoke.
Users are recommended to book at least a day or two in ad-
Hazel Allinson reported that she had collated a draft directo- vance as there are still only a limited number of slots available
ry as part of the council’s effort to support local businesses each day.
post-Covid and that she would contact Bury PC to see if it
wished to be involved in its production. All aspects of the trial will be reviewed in the autumn, after it
has run for the initial planned six months.
Passenger numbers for the Village Bus were down, according
to Elizabeth Tooms, who is also a volunteer driver, but it was
hoped carryings would pick up once more businesses started Recycling batteries
to re-open following the lifting of Covid restrictions. Following a Horsham District Council is now collecting batteries for recy-
discussion it was agreed that awareness of the service needed cling. Simply place your batteries in a small, clear plastic bag
raising, possibly with a village-wide leaflet drop. (such as a sandwich bag) and place the bag on top of your
green-top refuse bin or your blue-top recycling bin on collec-
In response to a resident’s question why there was no an- tion day.
nual Parish meeting this year, the chairman said it was due
to Covid-19 restrictions, and that the clerk would issue a To ensure minimal use
communication summarising the council’s achievements of plastic bags, ensure
over the last year. you store batteries until
you have enough to fill
Date of the next meeting: Thursday, July 8, 2021 at a bag and have it se-
7.30pm in St Michael’s Church Hall, where Covid-19 regu- curely closed. Do not
lations at that time will apply. place one or two batter-
ies out for collection as
= To read the full minutes of the meeting, visit the parish there is a risk the bag
council website: www.amberley-pc.org.uk could blow away.
Batteries that can
Amenity tip visits increased be collected are: AA,
Following the introduction of a trial booking scheme at select- AAA, D, C, 6v, 9v, button, mobile phone batteries and laptop
ed Household Waste Recycling Sites, West Sussex County batteries with the terminals taped.
Council has confirmed that the number of visits available per
household has been increased to five a month. Batteries that cannot be collected: replaceable batteries
left inside an electrical appliance. These should be removed
The main reason for the trial was to reduce queuing at peak and placed out for collection in a separate bag on top of your
times which had caused problems for local residents and busi- rubbish or recycling bin. Batteries with trailing wires, children’s
nesses and led to congestion on some major roads. ride-on toy batteries, corroded batteries, motorcycle batteries,
industrial batteries, sealed lactic acid/gel batteries, and 12v lei-
According to WSCC, the trial “fully met this objective and has sure batteries.
also proved popular with most users who have reported the
26You can also read
